Futsal

Lastella Elevated to NTC Girls Head Coach

Football Federation South Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Michele Lastella to the position of Head Coach of the NTC Girls Program for 2019.

Lastella will replace Michael Matricciani, who after three years in charge of the program, will move on to a new challenge as Senior Coach at Adelaide City Football Club.

After two years working alongside Matricciani as Assistant Coach of the NTC Girls, Lastella’s appointment will ensure continuation and stability for the playing group heading into the 2019 season. In his time as Assistant, the team secured the 2017 Women’s State League title and in 2018 earned an inaugural finals berth, a significant achievement for a young, developing playing group.

Football Federation South Australia CEO Michael Carter stated Lastella’s appointment is imperative to build on the success of the program.

“Michele is a highly respected identity in the South Australian Football Community. Building on the success of the program following Michael Matricciani’s involvement is imperative and Michele is well placed to continue the great work. The continued development of the best young talent within the girls’ game is our focus and Michele with his knowledge of the game, experience as a coach and professional background will stand the program in good stead”.

Lastella takes on the role as a well credentialed player and coach in his own right, currently playing for Western Strikers in the State League 1 competition, where he holds the title of longest serving captain, leading the Royal Park based club from 2010 to 2016.

A product of the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) himself, Lastella’s first year of senior football saw him make a few appearances in the 2003 Championship winning side at Adelaide Blue Eagles. He then spent the next two years of his senior career plying his trade in Italy, representing Aosta Sarre and Casaleone 1956, before returning home to play for Western Strikers and then moving on to MetroStars.

Michele then moved interstate in 2009 to complete his Honours studies where he played for Queensland NPL side Sunshine Coast Fire, eventually returning home to Western Strikers where he has carved out a career as a well-respected leader, both on and off the field. During this time, he also represented Australia in Beach soccer, captained the South Australian State Team and spent time on trial with the Adelaide United Football Club.

Michele said of his appointment:

“After playing with Michael in a number of different teams including SASI, MetroStars, Western Strikers and Australia’s beach soccer team it was great to be able to coach together. I have learnt a number of things from Michael during my time with the NTC girls and honoured to coach such an elite program where I can continue to develop the women’s game in South Australia. As I transition out of my playing career I am excited to continue to work with the NTC girls and develop as a head coach.”

As an AFC B Licence accredited coach and a Doctor of psychology, Lastella brings with him a skillset that will provide benefits outside of that which can be offered through his wealth of knowledge as an experienced player and coach.

Football Federation South Australia would like to acknowledge and thank Michael Matricciani for his efforts and success over the past three seasons, and wish both he and Michele Lastella all the best for their endeavours in 2019.